- Photo By Brad Miller
Camp ABM
The Camp ABM program is for children ages 4-9 and runs for 6 weeks through July and August. Each week is a new session concentrating on a different River related theme. Classes are filled with interactive opportunities that help students learn more about boats and the St. Lawrence River. Activities include active play, stories, craft projects, model making, and field trips. Children will expand their imaginations and discover new things all while being on or near the St. Lawrence. Campers may row a boat from the Museum’s fleet, build their own model boat, or study the creatures that make the River their home.
2012 Dates: TBD
Safety is our first concern! Wearing a life jacket is mandatory on the docks and in the boats. Children are encouraged to bring their own life jackets to class, but we do have spares if necessary.
To register, download the ABM Course Registration Form (PDF Format) and mail it back to us with your payment.
Sailing Programs
Sailing is fun, easy to learn at any age, and it is a sport that will last a lifetime. The Antique Boat Museum Sailing Program looks forward to giving area youth and adults an opportunity to learn the sport. New sailors learn to move their boats through the water by using body weight, sail trim, and steering abilities in harmony with the wind and water. As they gain self reliance and independence, sailors experience an exhilaration they will never forget.
Photo By Brad Miller
Junior Sailing – Morning (AM)
In this introductory sailing program kids will experience being on the water, sailing, and having fun. Designed for students without much small boat or sailing experience, new sailors will go out in a variety of sailboats with instructors. Students will become acquainted with terminology, rigging the boats, and will have the opportunity to help sail the boats. This course serves as a feeder for our Junior Sailing – Afternoon course, but attendance at multiple sessions may be required before sailors are ready to move up. This course is open to children ages 6-10.
2012 Dates: TBD
New for 2011: Due to the limited number of spaces available in the Junior Sailing program, the Museum must restrict registrations to 1 session per student. Additional sessions may be requested on registration forms, and sailors will be notified 1 week before the start of a session if the request for an additional course can be accommodated.
Junior Sailing – Afternoon (PM)
The Junior Sailing – Afternoon course is for students ages 8-15. It has been designed for both new and returning sailors. Theory lessons will be held inside the sailing classroom, while hands on boat-handling and sailing classes will be taught in our fleet of International Optimist Dinghies and Sunfish. New students will work toward earning a basic sailing certificate, while return sailors hone their skills to become more accomplished boaters. The class follows the US Sailing small boat sailor program, where students work to complete the “Red Book” which documents their sailing skills. Practice for a few years at this level may be required for sailors to complete their Red Books, earn their basic sailing certificate, and be ready to enter our Advanced Sailing program.
Lessons Include:
- Rigging The Optimist Dinghy
- Wind Directions
- How Sail Shapes Move A Boat
- Departure From The Dock
- Steering The Boat
- Points Of Sail
- Upwind Landing At A Dock
- Basic Boat Handling Skills
2012 Dates: TBD
New for 2011: Due to the limited number of spaces available in the Junior Sailing Program, the Museum must restrict registrations to 1 session per student. Additional sessions may be requested on registration forms, and sailors will be notified 1 week before the start of a session if the request for an additional course can be accommodated.
Advanced Junior Sailing
This course is for students who have taken the Junior Sailing – Afternoon course, finished their US Sailing Red Books, and are ready for spending more time on the water having fun. Students will be on the water, not in the classroom, since sailing is a sport that develops with experience. On-water activities will include informal racing, relays, scavenger hunts, and advanced games. Students will also be encouraged to try sailing the Museum’s historic sailboats, in addition to using the Optimists and Sunfish. A strong demonstration of sailing skills is required for entry into this level. Students will receive a recommendation from the sailing instructors for admittance.
2012 Dates: TBD
New for 2011: Due to the limited number of spaces available in the Junior Sailing Program, the Museum must restrict registrations to 1 session per student. Additional sessions may be requested on registration forms, and sailors will be notified 1 week before the start of a session if the request for an additional course can be accommodated.
Boater Safety
This course teaches the particulars of handling a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC). Taught by a member of the local United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the course covers the rules of the road, reading buoys, boat handling, and other boating safety related topics. The certification test will be given during the final class. Both adults and children (age 10+) are encouraged to attend. The course meets New York State safe boating requirements.
2012 Dates: TBD
To contact the Museum Education Department, email lnadolski@abm.org
